selfish; self-centered; egotistical
Describes a person or behavior that prioritizes one's own convenience or desires without regard for others. Often used critically.
He's always said to be a selfish person.
Everyone is fed up with his selfish behavior.
It's not good to break a promise for selfish reasons.
She acted selfishly without considering those around her.
He always makes selfish excuses.
He always behaves selfishly.
わがまま leans toward 'willful' or 'spoiled,' often for children, while 身勝手 stresses disregard for others' feelings.
利己的 is a more formal, analytical term for putting one's own interest first, while 身勝手 is the everyday word used to criticize someone's selfish behavior.
独りよがり emphasizes being self-satisfied or convinced one is right without considering others, whereas 身勝手 focuses on ignoring others' needs for one's own convenience.
献身的 describes someone devoted to others' welfare, the opposite of 身勝手's focus on one's own convenience.
Compound of 身 (oneself) and 勝手 (convenience, one's own way). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination naturally yields the meaning 'prioritizing one's own convenience.'